Soccer-Euro-Platini appeals to fans for 'respect and dignity'

June 16, 2012|Reuters

WARSAW, June 16 (Reuters) - UEFA president Michel Platiniappealed to fans on Saturday to conduct themselves with "respectand dignity" following the violence and allegations of racismwhich have marred Euro 2012.

"Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine has so far been acelebration of the game of football, both on and off the pitch,"the Frenchman said in a statement.

"It has been a festival of goals, entertainment, excitementand pride for both fans and players alike."

"Sixteen nations coming together over three weeks to competefor the crown of best team in Europe. Of course, there isrivalry and passion, and all teams want to win - but we mustremember that the results on the pitch are what really matter.

"I appeal therefore to all fans that are going to Warsaw orWroclaw tonight as we prepare for the deciding matches in GroupA to conduct themselves with dignity and respect, and to behavethemselves this evening at the stadiums and in the cities.

"Euro 2012 is a celebration of football and I invite thefans, the vast majority of whom have conducted themselves in anexemplary manner so far, to continue to do so for the remainderof the tournament."

Platini's comments came shortly after Croatia's FootballFederation was charged for racist chants by its fans duringThursday's Group C match against Italy.

Polish hooligans set upon a group of Russian fans marchingto the stadium on Tuesday and another group tried to break intothe fan zone, leading to almost 200 detentions.

Russia were facing Greece in Warsaw on Saturday evening(1845gmt) with co-hosts Poland playing the Czech Republic inWroclaw.